Need 3D modeling software to send to a printer

[Shaun @ Tru6]

I need to create some simple, proof of concept prototypes using a 3D printer. I downloaded DesighSpark Mechanical and installed in on my Mac running Parallels and Win7. It installed fine but wouldn't run.

Any recommendations on 3D design software for either Mac or Win7?

[stomachmonkey]

The higher end stuff Lightwave, 3DS Max, Cinema 4D etc... generally have steep learning curves and are pricy.

Then there is google sketch up which has never really floated my boat.

A very powerful one, commercial grade that is multi platform and open source is Blender. I never dug it's UI though.

The question is how much can you tell us about the object, meaning is it a more organic shape or multi part mechanical?

There are different types of 3d modeling apps that are better suited for one vs the other.

Some use basic shape, boolean and spline based modeling while others work more like modeling clay.

I've heard good things about Sculptris but have not had a chance to take it for a drive.

Pixologic :: Sculptris Multi platform and free.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Thanks Scott, I need to make several versions of C channel, some straight, some curved, some based on a wide flat plane, etc. with different shapes of channel... I'll probably test 10 versions to see what works best. Pretty simple stuff at the core of it.

I will check these out over the weekend, appreciate the suggestions.

[nota]

can any of the 3D printers do wax

to do a lost wax mold of the printed model

and cast a real metal part ?

[dad911]

I could do it in Solidworks pretty quickly, can you send me some sketches?

[HardDrive]

Google sketchup floats my boat, but the SOBs charge money for it now.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Dad, thank you, I appreciate the offer. Unfortunately I can't as the designs may be part of a patent application. It's something I need to rough out just to see if my idea will work and then have a design firm take it from there, or drop it if it doesn't work.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Originally Posted by nota

can any of the 3D printers do wax

to do a lost wax mold of the printed model

and cast a real metal part ?

finished part material is TBD based on prototyping.

[aigel]

Sketchup is a POS. No longer Google from what I gathered. I used it for some 3d sketches for presentations and it was not fun.

I need to find a good freeware CAD program. Last I used was AutoCad looong time ago. Curious to see what you all suggest.

Thanks,

Georg

[dad911]

Then I would suggest Autodesk 123D, free and fairly easy to use. And it will directly export stl files for printing.

[Eric Hahl]

Try onshape, a free 3d cad, Internet based program.
Www.onshape.com

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Originally Posted by dad911

Then I would suggest Autodesk 123D, free and fairly easy to use. And it will directly export stl files for printing.

Thank you.

[fanaudical]

Another free alternate:

FreeCAD: An open-source parametric 3D CAD modeler

[stomachmonkey]

Originally Posted by Shaun @ Tru6

Thanks Scott, I need to make several versions of C channel, some straight, some curved, some based on a wide flat plane, etc. with different shapes of channel... I'll probably test 10 versions to see what works best. Pretty simple stuff at the core of it.

I will check these out over the weekend, appreciate the suggestions.

Yup you need CAD.

Ignore my suggestions.

Others have made some good ones.

[dad911]

Originally Posted by fanaudical

Another free alternate:

FreeCAD: An open-source parametric 3D CAD modeler

Thank you, I like this better than 123d....... alot like solidworks.

I did above in about 5 minutes.

[stealthn]

What's everyone got for 3d printers? My kids are taking a robotics class today and all the parts are 3d printable.

[Scott Douglas]

My son gave me one from Monoprice.com. It's the Architect model.

[Charles Freeborn]

I use Form•Z for my modeling. Pretty intuitive and very powerful. There is a lower priced version called jr. and a free version too.

[93nav]

What about Fusion 360? It is by Autodesk and is free for individual use. After 1 year, you just renew it again (or so I have have read). You download a dedicated interface/browser and it requires an internet connection. I assume this is some sort of 'cloud' application.

[fanaudical]

If you are indeed concerned about keeping design work under wraps for patent purposes, I recommend running something locally on your equipment and not working with cloud-based CAD.